Illini players will wear special camouflage jerseys as part of the third annual Honor and Serve Day at Illinois Field.

April 30, 2014

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - The University of Illinois baseball team will host its third annual "Honor and Serve Day" at Illinois Field on Saturday, May 3, when it takes on Michigan State at 1 p.m. The event is designed to honor University of Illinois student veterans and all of America's heroes, and to serve the Champaign-Urbana community. The Fighting Illini Dugout Club donated special camouflage jerseys, which will be worn by the players and auctioned off during the game, with all proceeds from the auction going to Champaign County Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA).

On game day, the University of Illinois navy ROTC will present the colors for the national anthem and children from military families can run onto the field with the team during the anthem. Military veterans will receive special recognition during the game, and a special concession stand deal (hot dog and drink for $2) will be offered for those presenting a military ID.

CASA is a not-for-profit organization which recruits, trains and monitors volunteers who advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children. CASA volunteers work through the juvenile court system to facilitate prompt delivery of services and make independent recommendations to the court concerning the child's well-being.

"Honor and Serve Day is a special event for our players, fans and the community," head coach Dan Hartleb said. "It began as a way to honor our military and to serve a non-profit organization within our own community. The Fighting Illini Dugout Club will once again auction off the jerseys to benefit CASA, which aids abused and neglected children in the court system."

As part of the day's promotions, fans can purchase special T-shirts featuring the same camouflage pattern as the team's jerseys. The shirts will be available at Gameday Spirit in Champaign and at Illinois' remaining home games. A portion of the proceeds from sales of the shirts also will be donated by Gameday Spirit to CASA.

Saturday's game also will feature alumni recognition as part of the Illini Baseball Reunion Weekend. Returning alumni from different eras will be announced on the field following the third, fourth and fifth innings, and past Big Ten champions will be highlighted.